Is an upsampling DAC a hi rez DAC?

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Atlplasma

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Is an upsampling DAC a hi rez DAC?
« on: 2 Sep 2009, 08:52 pm »
I'm sure this is a newbie question, so apologies in advance.  :oops:

If an 48 kHz dac can upsample to 24/192, can it also play hi rez music natively? I was checking out a site that offered hi rez downloads (24/192) that could only be played through a computer-based music server. They recommended a specific DAC that had a retail price of $5K. Ouch! I have an relatively inexpensive DAC that is 48K, but it includes an upsampling daughter board that is selectable up to four times oversampling.

I guess I'm finding some of this playback terminology a bit confusing. Can someone clear things up for me?

ted_b

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Re: Is an upsampling DAC a hi rez DAC?
« Reply #1 on: 2 Sep 2009, 08:58 pm »
Your DAC only handles 24/48 (and of course cd/redbook at 16/44).  The upsampling is done by the DAC and ouput at 24/192 max.  But that means that native 24/192 files are not doable with your DAC; they would need a DAC capable of native 24/192 input.

Kinda like you own a DVD plyer than can upconvert standard DVD's to look hidef-ish (720p, 1080i) but cannot handle true native HD discs (Blu-Ray) unless you get a BluRay player.

Atlplasma

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Re: Is an upsampling DAC a hi rez DAC?
« Reply #2 on: 2 Sep 2009, 10:51 pm »
Thanks again Ted_b. That really clarifies things for me.

Steve